THEO Walcott says Gabby Agbonlahor is a "clever" player and says the Aston Villa striker is so quick that he has labelled his pace "a joke".

THEO Walcott says Gabby Agbonlahor is a "clever" player and says the Aston Villa striker is so quick that he has labelled his pace "a joke".

The 18-year-old has played alongside Agbonlahor for England Under-21s and was delighted when his pal earned a senior call-up last month.

He said: "All of Villa's young players are tremendous - you just have to look at how many of them are getting into the senior and Under-21 squads.

"But Gabby has been doing fantastically well and it's such a shame he got injured just before going with England.

"He deserved the call-up, just like Ashley Young, because he's worked so hard. He is consistent too, he does well in every game.

"With Gabby you can over-cook a pass and he'll still get there because his pace is phenomenal, it's a joke. I love playing alongside players with pace. He's a clever player and he's got a good finish on him."